How to Keep Pork Chops Moist When Pan Frying

By Jodi Buttarazzi

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Pork chops are a flavorful cut of meat that are tender and moist, if properly cooked. Pork chops can quickly become dry if cooked the wrong way, because there is no marbling of fat to keep it moist. The key to a moist and juicy pan-fried pork chop is to sear it. Searing locks in the flavor and natural juices.

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Remove the pork chops from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking. Pan-frying is best when the pork chops are close to room temperature.

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Blot moisture from each side of the pork chops with a clean paper towel. Searing is best done if there is no excess moisture on the chops.

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Add seasoning to the pork chops. Add flavor with a favorite seasoning, or sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Press the seasonings into the pork chops to adhere.

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Heat a heavy duty frying pan on medium-high. Add a tablespoon of oil to coat the bottom of the pan. When the oil is hot, add the pork chops and sear on one side for approximately 6 minutes. Do not put too many pork chops in the pan at once. This will greatly reduce the temperature of the pan and proper searing will not occur.

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Flip the pork chops over and sear on the opposite side for an additional 6 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pork chop reaches 155 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove them from the frying pan and let rest for 3 minutes.

About the Author

Jodi Buttarazzi has been writing professionally since 2008. She has contributed articles and content for online publications such as Merchant Circle, drawing on her experience of food and wine owning and operating a fine-dining restaurant in Houston. She is pursuing a career in the health-care industry and is working toward a Bachelor of Science in health-care management at the University of Phoenix.